§ MR. J. G. TALBOTsaid, he wished to ask the President of the Board of Trade, How soon the various Railway Companies will comply with the provisions of the Act 31 & 32 Vict. c. 119, s. 22, requiring them to provide means of communication between the passengers and the servants of the company; and whether he could inform the House what the nature of such communication will be?
MR. BRIGHTSir, I believe I am able to state that from yesterday, that is, from the 1st of this month, on all lines to which the Act applies there will be some mode of communication between the passengers and the drivers and the guards. There are three forms of communication by way of rope, and one, I think, which is managed upon the electric principle, which have been sanctioned. Of course, the Board of Trade is not able to say positively whether these plans will be perfect and absolutely satisfactory; but they meet so entirely the view of those most competent to judge in regard to these matters, that the Board of Trade has sanctioned them, 1089 and hope they will do all that the Act of Parliament had in view.
§ MR. J. G. TALBOTIS the communication really in existence?
MR. BRIGHTThe day fixed was the 1st of August. I travelled by a train about a week ago, and there was no mode of communication. But I believe the communication is found to-day on all the lines to which the Act refers.